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<p>The Government has introduced a new offence of coercive or controlling behaviour
in an intimate or family relationship which came into force on 29 December 2015. The
offence carries a maximum of 5 years imprisonment. Guidance for professionals on the
new offence was issued on 5 December 2015.</p><p>The new offence will mean victims
who experience coercive and controlling behaviour that stops short of serious physical
violence, but amounts to extreme psychological and emotional abuse, can see their
perpetrators brought to justice. Criminalising domestic abuse demonstrates this Government’s
commitment to tackling all forms of abuse and improving the protection available to
victims.</p>
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